Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Berlin Crisis, 1959–1960; Germany; Austria, Volume IX

38. Telegram From the Mission at Berlin to the Department of State⁰

Berlin, November 3, 1959, 1 p.m.

433. Paris for Embassy and CINCEUR, Thurston and Finn. Deptel 1869 Paris, 950 Bonn, 3561 London.¹ Commandants evening Nov 2 agreed inter alia authorize West Berlin police use pistols in accordance existing police regulations, i.e., self-defense only. Authorized Reserve Force B to carry carbines in addition to pistols. No firearms, pistols or carbines to be used by either group except as above or on orders of Commandants who will be closely supervising operations in committee. In response to question by US Commandant British and French Commandants stated they now had full authority authorize police use weapons if necessary. We consider this satisfactory solution this problem.

On question use of allied troops Commandants agreed that if police overwhelmed, Western troops would take necessary action to restore public order including use of firearms if required. US Commandant said that in foregoing situation he would use all his resources at whatever locations required and assumed other Commandants prepared do same. There was no contradiction. In light of London’s 2359 to Dept² and other statements by British Commandant we believe no further need raise question use British troops on S-Bahn properties.

In addition Commandants approved police operational plan for removal of flags with certain modifications on timing. Commandants also agreed cutting of S-Bahn considered most serious matter justified only under conditions of extreme urgency when security Western Berlin itself in jeopardy. Therefore no action permitted except as specifically ordered by Commandants whose orders would be carried out by allied troops.

Commandants were informed highpoints Gen. Hamlett’s afternoon meeting with Gen. Zakharov (ourtel 432 to Dept).³ They stressed importance giving no publicity to new letter to Sov Commandant before Nov 7. French Commandant made particular plea for secrecy expressing hope no leaks occur Bonn or allied capitals. We agreed but indicated would have to inform Brandt letter delivered and could not expect press would omit speculation substance Hamlett call on Zakharov once call confirmed. (As of noon Nov 3 we have not had to confirm.)

Lightner

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 762B.04/11–359. Secret; Priority. Received at 9:03 a.m., November 3. Also sent to Bonn and repeated to Moscow, priority to Paris, London, and priority to POLADUSAREUR.
1. Telegram 1869 to Paris, November 2, expressed the Department’s concern over the continued lack of agreement among the Commandants in West Berlin about what to do in the event of future flag-raising episodes. (Ibid., 762B.04/10–3059)
2. Telegram 2359 from London, November 2, reported that the Foreign Office had given the British Commandant full authority to remove East German flags in West Berlin without restriction on the weapons to be used. (Ibid., 762.0221/11–259)
3. Dated November 2. In the meeting, November 2, Zakharov maintained that the flag raising incident was within the competence of the East German Government, but stressed that everyone was interested in peace and that he could see no reason for the Western Commandants’ anxiety. (Ibid.)